A Life-Defining Experience

In my personal journey, I find that there is nothing like learning from experience, and that while my lessons as an individual are essential, the pursuit of knowledge with a like-minded group is accelerated and enriched by the unique understanding, passion, and creative mind of each individual participating. The Biomes of the World Program embodies a hands-on (or, more appropriately, every sense on) intensive group learning experience. As we traveled from country to country, culture to culture, and ecosystem to ecosystem, we observed, smelled, felt, heard, and tasted our surroundings. We considered past, present, and future, and discussed what isolated and big picture patterns we observed. The trip was a wonderful exploration of diversity, both in the natural world and the cultures found within, and I also found unexpected and delightful similarities in the whole.

I highly recommend this unique study abroad program. It is a grand adventure with excellent leadership, and it is impossible not to be engaged in the present and working as a team throughout. Every single day brought new experiences--riding a camel up to the pyramids, scuba diving in the Maldives, listening to an Indian girl's stories, trying not to get my lunch stolen by a monkey...Several years later, I am still seeing how this expansive program has affected who I am and the decisions I make.